Meet New Books

Books matching: search for self

100 result(s)

Page 1
Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Mudwoman by Joyce Carol Oates
    Save:

    Mudwoman by Joyce Carol Oates is a psychological thriller that delves into the life of M.R. Neukirchen, a successful university president struggling to reconcile her traumatic childhood as Mudgirl. The novel alternates between M.R.'s past and present, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, as she grapples with her identity and self-worth. Oates skillfully portrays the fragmented life of an adoptee, exploring themes of survival, memory, and the impact of one's origins on their perception of the world.

    Readied was not a word the child comprehended. In the woman’s voice readied was a word of calm and stillness like water glittering in the mudflats beside the Black Snake River the child would think we...

  2. #2

    Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
    Save:

    'Siddhartha' by Hermann Hesse follows the journey of the protagonist, Siddhartha, as he embarks on a quest for meaning and enlightenment. Set in India during the time of Buddha, the story delves into themes of experiential learning, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness. Through encounters with different people and experiences, Siddhartha navigates through various stages of life, seeking fulfillment and wisdom. The narrative explores deep philosophical questions and offers insights into the nature of individual growth and personal enlightenment.

    The writing style of 'Siddhartha' is often described as beautiful, patient, and tranquil, reflecting the spiritual and meditative journey of the protagonist. The author, Hermann Hesse, skillfully weaves together layers of meaning, inviting readers to ponder on themes of humanity, religion, philosophy, and the search for true identity. The novel is compact yet profound, offering a blend of Eastern philosophies, Jungian archetypes, and Western individualism in a unique portrayal of one man's pursuit of authentic meaning in life.

    SIDDHARTHA, the handsome son of the Brahmin, the young falcon, grew up together with his friend Govinda, the Brahmin’s son, in the shadow of the house, in the sun of the riverbank near the boats, in t...

  3. #3

    The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
    Save:

    The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a fable that follows the journey of a young shepherd named Santiago as he embarks on a quest to discover his Personal Legend. The book is written in a simplistic and allegorical style, focusing on themes of fate, following one's dreams, and the interconnectedness of the universe. Through encounters with various characters and experiences, Santiago learns valuable life lessons and gains insight into the meaning of his existence.

    The narrative of The Alchemist is infused with philosophical musings and spiritual undertones, aiming to inspire readers to reflect on their own paths and aspirations. The story unfolds like a parable, guiding the reader through Santiago's adventures in search of treasure, which ultimately leads him to a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him.

    I REMEMBER RECEIVING A LETTER FROM THE AMERICAN publisher Harper Collins that said that: “reading The Alchemist was like getting up at dawn and seeing the sun rise while the rest of the world still sl...

  4. #4

    The White Castle by Orhan Pamuk
    Save:

    The White Castle by Orhan Pamuk is a thought-provoking novel that delves into themes of identity, otherness, and the search for self in a cultural context. The story follows a young Venetian scholar who is captured and sold as a slave in Istanbul to a Turkish master who looks almost identical to him. The relationship between the two characters becomes a complex exploration of psychological torment and the quest for knowledge, intertwined with the dynamics of power and manipulation within the Ottoman Empire. The narrative style is described as cerebral and introspective, focusing on the inner thoughts and experiences of the characters rather than external dialogue or vivid descriptions of the setting.

    The book is praised for its unique and original storytelling approach, tackling deep philosophical questions about cruelty, sin, and the nature of identity. The plot unfolds as a slow, psychological journey that challenges readers to reflect on themes of history, culture, and individual stories. Despite being a relatively short read, The White Castle offers a rich and complex narrative that invites readers to contemplate the complexities of human relationships, self-discovery, and the blurred lines between reality and perception.

    We were sailing from Venice to Naples when the Turkish fleet appeared. We numbered three ships all told, but the file of their galleys emerging from the fog seemed to have no end. We lost our nerve; f...

  5. 'The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck' by Mark Manson is a motivational self-help book that encourages readers to prioritize what truly matters in life. The author presents a counterintuitive approach to living a good life by advocating for carefully choosing what to care about and focusing on important values and goals. With a potty-mouthed writing style, the book challenges readers to reevaluate their perspectives on self-worth, relationships, and life priorities. Through practical advice and personal anecdotes, the book aims to guide readers towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

    Charles Bukowski was an alcoholic, a womanizer, a chronic gambler, a lout, a cheapskate, a deadbeat, and on his worst days, a poet. He’s probably the last person on earth you would ever look to for li...

  6. #6

    Peter Camenzind by Hermann Hesse
    Save:

    'Peter Camenzind' by Hermann Hesse is a coming-of-age novel that follows the protagonist, Peter Camenzind, as he grows up in a small mountain village in Switzerland. The book explores Peter's journey of self-discovery, his struggles with love, friendship, and intellectual pursuits, and his eventual return to his roots. Through encounters with various characters and experiences, Peter navigates the complexities of human nature and society, ultimately finding peace and understanding within himself. The writing style of the book is described as simple, lyrical, and introspective, capturing the essence of Peter's emotional and spiritual evolution.


  7. #7

    The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
    Save:

    The novel 'The Fountainhead' by Ayn Rand portrays the life of Howard Roark, a gifted young architect who faces challenges and rejection from the world for his unconventional ideas. The story follows Roark's journey as he struggles through poverty, philosophical battles, and a love affair while staying true to his vision and individualism. Ayn Rand's writing style is described as powerful, emotive, and thought-provoking, aiming to challenge readers' beliefs and evoke deep introspection on morality, values, and the concept of integrity.

    Many people have asked me how I feel about the fact that The Fountainhead has been in print for twenty-five years. I cannot say that I feel anything in particular, except a kind of quiet satisfaction....

  8. #8

    The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King
    Save:

    The Dust of 100 Dogs' by A.S. King is a unique novel that intertwines the stories of Saffron Adams, a modern-day teenager with memories of a female pirate named Emer Morrisey from the 1600s. Saffron navigates her struggles in Pennsylvania while planning to embark on a quest to Jamaica to find buried treasure left by Emer. The book alternates between Saffron's challenges in the present and Emer's adventurous life as a pirate, all while incorporating insightful dog tips from Saffron's past lives. The writing style is engaging and readable, with a blend of past and present narratives that keep the storyline intriguing and well-paced.

    Imagine my surprise when, after three centuries of fighting with siblings over a spare furry teat and licking my water from a bowl, I was given a huge human nipple, all to myself, filled with warm mot...

  9. #9

    Back When We Were Grownups by Anne Tyler
    Save:

    'Back When We Were Grownups' by Anne Tyler follows the story of Rebecca Davitch, a 50-year-old widow who reflects on her life choices and the unexpected path she has taken. Rebecca finds herself questioning her role as the matriarch of her late husband's family, caring for her stepdaughters and daughter while managing the family business of hosting parties. As she reconnects with her past and old relationships, she contemplates whether the life she is living is truly the one she was meant for, leading to a journey of self-discovery and introspection. The narrative delves into themes of identity, family dynamics, and the complexities of navigating middle age.

    The writing style of 'Back When We Were Grownups' is described as typical Anne Tyler, focusing on everyday people and their relationships with sympathy and depth. The novel presents a character-driven story with well-drawn, quirky characters and explores the nuances of family interactions and personal growth. Through Rebecca's journey of self-exploration and reflection, the book offers a mix of humor, introspection, and poignant moments that resonate with readers.

    She was fifty-three years old by then—a grandmother. Wide and soft and dimpled, with two short wings of dry, fair hair flaring almost horizontally from a center part. Laugh lines at the corners of her...

  10. #10

    A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers - Vintage Voyages by Xiaolu Guo
    Save:

    'A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers' by Xiaolu Guo is a unique novel that follows the journey of a young Chinese woman named Zhuang as she travels to London to learn English. The book is narrated through Zhuang's diary entries in broken English, which gradually improves as she gains a better grasp of the language. Through her experiences in a foreign land and her relationship with an older English man, Zhuang navigates cultural differences, language barriers, and the complexities of love and intimacy.

    The novel explores themes of cultural assimilation, communication across languages and cultures, and the search for identity and belonging. Through Zhuang's perspective, readers witness her personal growth and transformation as she grapples with homesickness, loneliness, and the challenges of understanding a new culture while also delving into the intricacies of love, language, and self-discovery.

    Progressive Tenses (Also called “Continuous Tenses”) Progressive tenses are made with TO BE +-ING. The most common use of the progressive form is to talk about an action or situation that is already g...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Vintage Voyages )

Page 1 of 10Next Page